Conference opened with a Welcoming Address by Michael Russell MSP, Minister for Government Business and Constitutional Relations. Russell has been at the forefront of defending Scotland’s place in Europe and highlighted the growing need for Scotland to forge its own distinct path as an independent country.

He also spoke about the need to reach out constructively to those who have disagreed with independence in the past, and encourage everyone who lives here to play their part in building a new Scotland.

📢 @Feorlean: "We need to encourage everyone who lives here to play a part in building our new national story.

We won’t do so by ignoring them, or by insulting them, or by challenging them in ways to which they simply cannot respond." #SNP19

Over lunch time, several fringe meetings took place, where members gathered to discuss present issues such as the impact of Tory austerity, EU citizens’ rights in the wake of Brexit, tackling climate change, and much more.

🇪🇺 Standing room only in a packed fringe meeting at #SNP19, with @joannaccherry and @AlynSmith affirming our vision of an indy Scotland that's inclusive, outward-looking and internationalist.

The afternoon session opened with an address by Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP, highlighting the damage caused by Brexit and the need for Scotland to open up new and inclusive dialogue about its future.

In the afternoon, Conference debated the findings of the Sustainable Growth Commission, a set of proposals designed to let Scotland reach its full potential and match the success of other small, independent nations. Proposals included plans for Scotland to keep the pound for a transitional period before adopting to its own independent currency.

Conference passed the resolution in support of the Sustainable Growth Commission, with an amendment that the parliament of an independent Scotland will decide when a new currency is best practicable.

Great debate at #SNP19 on economy and currency. Amendment urges progress as quickly as practicable, and six tests to ensure solid foundation for decision are endorsed. We can move forward now with confidence to make the case for Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands